delahaye, angelique

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Delahaye, Angelique

From: Wren, HowardSent: Thursday, 26 July 2018 8:32 AMTo: Butler, Jeffrey (Health); Foot, David; Le Lievre, PeterSubject: Comcen Dog [DLM=Sensitive]

Good morning all

A further complication. I emailed the ACTAS comms people yesterday re any possible health concerns, & received the following The sender wishes to remain anonymous at this stage, although obviously I know who sent it

Whilst I love all animals, I have an allergy to dog hair and dander, and I am also a chronic asthmatic. Unfortunately, exposure to these allergens causes me to have a runny nose and watering eyes which makes me quite miserable, and prolonged exposure can cause me to have a serious asthma attack. The exposure doesn’t have to be direct, I can tell when I am in a room with a dog or where a dog has recently been because after a while I start feeling tight in the chest and have to reach for my puffer.

This is quite a sticky situation to be in. I would appreciate it if this could be kept confidential, I feel terrible that my medical conditions may cause somebody to be in a bad position or to feel excluded. I also fear speaking up may cause others in the workgroup to resent me, as quite a few people here are dog owners/dog lovers and I am sure they are quite excited by the prospect of having a dog at work.

I will seek further advice from PWS re this matter

Regards

Howard

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Delahaye, Angelique

From: Beattie, LizSent: Thursday, 26 July 2018 11:49 AMTo: Wren, Howard; Borrett, DanielSubject: RE: ComCen dog [DLM=Sensitive]

Follow Up Flag: Follow upFlag Status: Flagged

Howard,

As discussed, to assist with moving forward, can you ask the individual if they could get a medical certificate/report regarding the risks of exposure. It would also be useful if it included any guidance (if any is possible) regarding how long after a dog has been in a room for 12 hours would there be minimal risk.

You may wish to offer to pay for the appointment.

Liz

From: Wren, Howard Sent: Thursday, 26 July 2018 8:38 AM To: Beattie, Liz <[email protected]>; Borrett, Daniel <[email protected]> Subject: ComCen dog [DLM=Sensitive]

Hello Liz & Daniel

And more from the gift that keeps on giving!! I have struggled to get ComCen management (no longer ACTAS) involved in this matter, so took it on myself yesterday to email the “ACTAS” workgroup about the proposed dog arrival on Monday; specifically to see if they had any health concerns. I managed to convince Jeff Butler to engage with F & R to check with their side of the room

And last night I received the following:

Whilst I love all animals, I have an allergy to dog hair and dander, and I am also a chronic asthmatic. Unfortunately, exposure to these allergens causes me to have a runny nose and watering eyes which makes me quite miserable, and prolonged exposure can cause me to have a serious asthma attack. The exposure doesn’t have to be direct, I can tell when I am in a room with a dog or where a dog has recently been because after a while I start feeling tight in the chest and have to reach for my puffer.

This is quite a sticky situation to be in. I would appreciate it if this could be kept confidential, I feel terrible that my medical conditions may cause somebody to be in a bad position or to feel excluded. I also fear speaking up may cause others in the workgroup to resent me, as quite a few people here are dog owners/dog lovers and I am sure they are quite excited by the prospect of having a dog at work.

Obviously I know who this person is, but as they mention, they would like to remain anonymous to the workgroup.

Acknowledging that this is late notice, I am assuming this is a significant barrier??

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Your thoughts?

Cheers

Howard

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Delahaye, Angelique

From: Wren, HowardSent: Friday, 27 July 2018 10:44 AMTo: Blewitt, Michelle; Le Lievre, Peter; Lundy, Rebecca; Molloy, MarkD; Smith, Louise; Smith,

Matt; Wood, JonSubject: Comcen dog update [DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]

Good morning all

An update to the issue of a member of the Comcen workgroup being assigned a support dog for the workplace

ACTAS personnel in comms were advised of this proposal by me on Wednesday of this week, & asked to identify any possible health issues that may arise. I spoke with Jeff Butler on Wednesday & he was going to speak with Mark Brown about engaging with the F & R workforce. This has not been done yet.

I have now been advised by one individual that they have a significant allergy to dog fur / dander, & that this can precipitate asthma. They are happy to provide us with a med certificate to support this. The issue is complicated by the fact that the exposure is significant even after a dog has previously been in the room – it does not have to be present for symptoms to occur.

I have sought advice from PWS, & they will speak with the Human Rights Commission about this. However, in the short term, the proposed dog presence cannot go ahead.

Regrettably this has been left to the last minute, as the animal was supposed to start on Monday. It will now be left to ACTAS to advise the person concerned, 3 days out, that this proposal is on hold. If my frustration is peeking out, then I apologise.

Regards

Howard

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Delahaye, Angelique

From: Wren, HowardSent: Friday, 27 July 2018 3:46 PMTo:Cc: Le Lievre, Peter; Butler, Jeffrey (Health); Beattie, LizSubject: Support dog in Comms [DLM=Sensitive: Personal]

Hello

My apologies for the late notification of this matter We have received information from a member of the workgroup that they have a significant allergy to dog fur & dander, such that it may lead to an episode of asthma.

We are seeking further information about how we can manage this, but unfortunately it does mean you will not be able to bring your dog to work on Monday as proposed.

I understand that this must be a disappointment & give you a commitment that we will work towards a solution as quickly as possible.

Regards

Howard

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Delahaye, Angelique

From:Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2018 2:07 PMTo: Wren, HowardSubject: RE: Service dog in Comcen [DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]Attachments: allergy med cert.pdf


Hi Howard,

I managed to see my GP on Monday, attached is my medical certificate.

If you wish to discuss further, I am here all day today and tomorrow and I am happy to have a chat any time

Best regards,

Supporting National Asthma Week September 2018 Click here and take control of your asthma

Supporting National Stroke Week September 2018 Click here and learn to act FAST

From: Wren, Howard Sent: Thursday, 26 July 2018 11:45 AM To: Subject: RE: Service dog in Comcen [DLM=For‐Official‐Use‐Only]

Thanks – that would be greatly appreciated The certificate just needs to say you have an allergy to dogs & that it can precipitate asthma If you keep the receipt of any difference between the Medicare rebate & the cost of the appointment, I will ensure you are reimbursed

Best wishes Howard

From: Sent: Thursday, 26 July 2018 11:22 AM

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To: Wren, Howard <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Service dog in Comcen [DLM=For‐Official‐Use‐Only] I can do that. and I might be able to get an appointment with my GP. What does the medical certificate need to say?

From: Wren, Howard Sent: Thursday 26 July 2018 10:01 To: Subject: RE: Service dog in Comcen [DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]

Sorry to keep at this It is quite possible that this issue may go to a more formal setting. While I am very happy to accept your statement that this would have an impact on your health, we may need a medical certificate to support your position Would you be willing to obtain this? As with before, we would be able to maintain your confidentiality. Kind regards Howard

From: Sent: Wednesday, 25 July 2018 6:35 PM To: Wren, Howard <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Service dog in Comcen [DLM=For‐Official‐Use‐Only] Hi Howard, Whilst I love all animals, I have an allergy to dog hair and dander, and I am also a chronic asthmatic. Unfortunately, exposure to these allergens causes me to have a runny nose and watering eyes which makes me quite miserable, and prolonged exposure can cause me to have a serious asthma attack. The exposure doesn’t have to be direct, I can tell when I am in a room with a dog or where a dog has recently been because after a while I start feeling tight in the chest and have to reach for my puffer. This is quite a sticky situation to be in. I would appreciate it if this could be kept confidential, I feel terrible that my medical conditions may cause somebody to be in a bad position or to feel excluded. I also fear speaking up may cause others in the workgroup to resent me, as quite a few people here are dog owners/dog lovers and I am sure they are quite excited by the prospect of having a dog at work.

M m m m @ B

M m m

Supporting National Asthma Week September 2015 Click here and take control of your asthma

Supporting National Stroke Week September 2015 Click here and learn to act FAST

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From: Wren, Howard Sent: Wednesday, 25 July 2018 5:02 PM To: #ESA, ACTAS, Comcen Staff <#[email protected]> Cc: Butler, Jeffrey <[email protected]>; Le Lievre, Peter <[email protected]>; Smith, Matt <[email protected]> Subject: Service dog in Comcen [DLM=For‐Official‐Use‐Only] Good evening everyone As you may be aware, there is a proposal for a support dog to be assigned to a member of the ComCen work group while at work, commencing next week If you have a medical concern about this proposal, can you please advise me prior to 30th July 2108 Kind regards Howard

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Delahaye, Angelique

From: Beattie, LizSent: Wednesday, 1 August 2018 12:16 PMTo: Wren, Howard; Butler, Jeffrey (Health); Le Lievre, PeterCc: Borrett, DanielSubject: Assistance Dog

Howard, Suggest next steps would be to discuss the proposals re restricting the dog movements, the vacuum (and who would need to do this) and other mitigation including shifts staggering with to seek views. Noting

hours may be able to be more flexible regarding what days works to assist with rostering. We would need to ensure the overall hours of attendance remain the same. We need to be cognisant that would like to remain anonymous in those discussions. Liz

From: Wren, Howard Sent: Wednesday, 1 August 2018 12:05 PM To: Butler, Jeffrey <[email protected]>; Le Lievre, Peter <[email protected]> Cc: Beattie, Liz <[email protected]>; Borrett, Daniel <[email protected]> Subject: Dog‐gate ver3 [DLM=Sensitive: Personal] Hello folks I met with this morning He is not sure of how long after a dog has been in the room might be affected. had spoken to his GP about this, & they felt it might be hours. So – as a way forward, would be agreeable to a trial of a roster off‐set (ideally 24 hours), monitoring symptoms. I suggested we would restrict the dog’s movements, so it stayed in a basket in one area of the room. Also – look at whether or not there is some fur‐shedding reduction coat available. And – GP suggested a vacuum clear with a HEPA filter to reduce the amount of residual fur/dander left behind Cheers Howard

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Delahaye, Angelique

From: Borrett, DanielSent: Thursday, 30 August 2018 3:42 PMTo: Wren, HowardCc: Stephens, Barbara; Lundy, RebeccaSubject: [DLM=Sensitive]


Good afternoon Howard, I attended a meeting with this afternoon and reached agreement for to return to work with under the following restrictions;

‐ Not to attend on the same shift as the person who has an allergy. ‐ to remain in a confined area next to ‐ Area to be vacuumed after each shift ( advised that there were cleaners on site daily)

was happy to return to work following today’s discussion.

Could you please advise once you have spoken to WFP to confirm that is not rostered with the allergy sufferer and when can return and I will advise both and the rehabilitation provider. I also advised that we would be monitoring this situation to ensure the safety of the staff member with the allergy and any issues on their part would instigate further discussion. We also discussed the possibility of streamlining the paperwork process, and will get supervisor in Comcen to sign GRTW timesheets and email them to Payroll and CC in Rebecca Lundy and her IM Case Manager. I have provided with a redacted version of the email and medical certificate relating to the individual with allergies. I have also explained to the process for Payroll to complete and audit and provided in writing the steps involved in that process so can fully understand the complexity. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries. Regards Daniel Borrett | Senior Advisor, Injury Management Phone 02 6205 8585 Injury Management | People and Workplace Strategy| Justice and Community Safety | ACT Government GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | www.act.gov.au

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This is an odd request but ‐ if you have an allergy to dogs it is absolutely vital that you let me know, I will keep it to myself and try and nor sit where you normally sit when I’m not dispatching, as there is only so much our lovely Jackie can vacuum up on her rounds. Either way please respond. Hope your day isn’t too busy! Cheers

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ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate

Animals in the Workplace

Review Date: July 2019 Page 2 of 8

Contents

DEFINITION OF TERMS ............................................................................................................. 3

1. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................ 5

2. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................. 5

3. EXEMPTIONS TO THIS GUIDELINE .................................................................................. 5

4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................ 5

5. PETS AND WILDLIFE........................................................................................................ 6

6. WORK EVENTS AND SOCIAL OCCASIONS INVOLVING PETS OR WILDLIFE ....................... 6

7. REVIEW .......................................................................................................................... 6

8. ENQUIRIES ...................................................................................................................... 6

PROPERTIES .............................................................................................................................. 7

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ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate

Animals in the Workplace

Review Date: July 2019 Page 6 of 8

5. PETS AND WILDLIFE Pets and wildlife are not permitted in JACS controlled buildings, facilities and motor vehicles or where work is carried out for a business or undertaking and includes any place where a worker goes, or is likely to be, while at work.

Pets and wildlife have the potential to become health and safety hazards as carriers for transmissions of zoonoses (diseases) to humans and safety risk that may cause physical and psychological harm through aggression and unwanted contact with people.

6. WORK EVENTS AND SOCIAL OCCASIONS INVOLVING PETS OR WILDLIFE From time to time, one off work event(s) consistent with ACT Public Service work life balance and/or social programs may be arranged specifically for the attendance of workers and their pets. These one off visits must be appropriately risk managed by the manager and supervisor of the workplace in consultation with workers.

Prior to any event or social occasion where a worker is intending to bring a pet or wildlife, the worker must notify and seek prior approval from their manager or supervisor. This will assist in managing any risks that may be posed to others.

In situations where native animals are brought into the workplace, managers must ensure that the appropriate licensing and conditions are met as per chapter 6 of the Nature Conservation Act 2014.

For further information on licensing, please visit the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website.

7. REVIEW These guidelines will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, with a formal review to occur at a minimum every two years.

8. ENQUIRIES Direct enquiries on these guidelines to:

Work Health and Safety

People and Workplace Strategy

[email protected] or 6207 3985.

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CONTENTS DEFINITION OF TERMS .........................................................................................................3 1. PURPOSE ...................................................................................................................5 2. SCOPE........................................................................................................................5 3. EXEMPTIONS TO THIS GUIDELINE ...............................................................................5 4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................................5 5. PETS AND WILDLIFE ...................................................................................................6 6. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR PEOPLE WITH ASSISTANCE ANIMALS ......................6 7. WORK EVENTS AND SOCIAL OCCASIONS INVOLVING PETS OR WILDLIFE ......................6 8. RESOURCES................................................................................................................7 9. REVIEW......................................................................................................................7 10. ENQUIRIES .................................................................................................................7

© Australian Capital Territory 2020

This work, the Animals in the Workplace Guideline is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. You are free to reuse the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the Australian Capital Territory Government as author.

The licence does not apply to the ACT Government logo.

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